April 30, 2005
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Wind, rain and cold; none of it was a problem for senior John Paul Smolenski as he won the Penn Relay's Hammer Throw Championship.
"You never know what's going to happen in this kind of weather," said Smolenski. "Some people step up and compete, while others get affected; it certainly makes things more interesting."
Desptite throwing into a stiff wind, Smolenski produced a winning throw measured at 64.86 meters (212 feet, 9 inches), beating out fifth-ranked Nick Owens of North Carolina (61.44; 201-7) and ninth-ranked Garland Porter of Tennessee (63.80; 209-4). Porter and Owens efforts were good for second and third-place.
Smolenski, who entered this weekend's meet ranked 10th by Trackwire, owns a season and personal best of 67.47, which was recorded in April at Rankin Track and Field's Mike Poehlein Invitational.
"I'm definitely happy to leave with the win, but the competition will surely be gunning for me at NCAA's and Regionals," said Smolenski. "This is one of the biggest if not the biggest non-championship meet in the country, so it's good for me to come out here and face this level of competition before Big Ten's and nationals."
Smolenski led off the event with a toss of 63.17 and then recorded three throws over the 64-meter mark. He only fouled twice on six attempts, once stepping outside the ring and other time lauching the hammer into the protective netting.
"He did a great job battling the elements; sometimes it can be tough to maintain your focus when the weather is this poor," said assistant coach John Zera. "It was a very encourgaing performance, because not only did he overcome the rain and wind, but beat some really good competition as well. He had a great first throw and built on it from there."
For Smolenski, a native of New Hyde Park, N.Y., the Penn Relays were his homecoming game. Not only did Smolenski receive the support of his teammates and coaches, but his parents, Anna-Marie and Edward Smolenski, plus several close friends were in attendance as well.
Triple jumper Rayland Currie also competed through the elements Saturday and posted a distance of 14.05 (46-1), which was good for 14th place. The winning distance of 15.52 (50-11) was recorded by Michigan's Michael Whitehead.
Next Friday, coach Warner will bring a light crew to the Indiana University-based Billy Hayes Invitational, and then both teams start gearing up for the Big Ten Outdoor Championships. This year's conference meet is being hosted by the Ohio State University from May 13 to 15.